The Attitude Lounge with Kodwo Brumpon: Values and belongingness

Organizational values are designed to inspire employees. They aim to align attitudes with the organization's goals. However, these values are losing their meaning.

Many employees do not understand their purpose. They talk about values but lack commitment. As the saying goes, “one has to be credible in order to speak credibly.”

We have forgotten what organizational values truly represent. These values define the culture and set standards for behavior. Unfortunately, many see them as a personal matter.

Employees often do not view management as embodying these values. Belongingness is based on shared values within an organization. Organizational values describe how employees can belong.

Psychologists say belongingness is crucial for engagement. The desire to belong drives people towards shared aspirations. Yet today, some work just to survive without embracing these values.

This situation resembles mercenaries fighting for rewards rather than loyalty. Such individuals may not contribute effectively to growth and development.

Group dynamics are essential for organizational success. A strong group identity relies on shared organizational values. These values clarify what the organization stands for and guide actions.

When organizational values take precedence over individual ones, creativity flourishes naturally. Employees act in harmony with a shared identity.

Leaders must recognize that individual intrinsic values will emerge over time. To address this, regular training on organizational values is necessary. This helps align hearts and minds with the organization's mission.

In today's inclusive environment, discussing personal work-related values can be challenging. Many employees may not identify with the organization's shared identity.

Tolerance without adherence to core values leads to a crisis of vision and mission. This can result in disengaged employees who merely follow instructions without creativity.

Organizational values shape attitudes within the workplace when communicated effectively. They influence emotions and decision-making aligned with the organization's vision.

Instead of stifling creativity, these values promote teamwork and collaboration toward common goals. Leaders should encourage employees to appreciate the displayed organizational values around them.

Have a productive week ahead!

---

Kodwo Brumpon is an executive coach at Polygon Oval, a Pan African management consultancy focused on data analytics and strategic growth for organizations.
For comments or requests for talks and training, contact him at [email protected]